Friday the 13th Solar Storm: Aurora Forecast for 18 States
Prepare to be amazed! A geomagnetic storm could paint the night sky with vibrant aurora borealis, visible across 18 U.S. states beginning this Friday. Skywatchers in Alaska,Montana,and more could witness the dazzling display,triggered by solar activity from a co-rotating interaction region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued an alert,detailing the anticipated effects of this solar storm. While the aurora might also grace the skies over the U.K. and parts of Europe, cloud cover and light pollution could impact visibility. Learn more from News Directory 3 on the high-level solar activity spurred by the solar maximum. Discover what’s next …
Geomagnetic Storm May Trigger aurora Display Across US
Updated June 16, 2025
A moderate geomagnetic storm may bring the northern lights, or aurora borealis, to parts of the United States. Starting Friday,skywatchers in 18 states might witness the colorful display as the storm interacts with earth’s magnetic field.
The National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alert Wednesday about the incoming geomagnetic storm. The storm is being triggered by a co-rotating interaction region unleashed by a coronal hole in the sun’s southern hemisphere.
NASA/SDO
The 18 states where auroras could be visible include Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Wyoming. The aurora might also be seen in the U.K. and parts of Europe; however, cloudy weather, wildfires, or light pollution could obscure the view.
Solar activity has been high in recent years due to solar maximum, the most active phase of the sun’s approximate 11-year cycle. During this time, the sun’s magnetic field flips. Scientists confirmed solar maximum began in early 2024, sooner than expected, and may be coming to a close, though solar activity could remain elevated for years.
In May 2024, Earth experienced a G5 geomagnetic storm, the most powerful in 21 years, after multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hit the planet. The storm caused widespread auroras and even disrupted GPS-controlled machinery in the U.S.
What’s next
Scientists continue to monitor solar activity and its effects on Earth. Further geomagnetic storms and aurora displays are possible as the sun remains active.